Page 129 of Only After We Met
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: RE: News
Congratulations, Ginger Snap!
I’m so happy for you. It’s going to be brilliant, even if it’s hard at first. Everything is, isn’t it? You’ll get used to it little by little. If you need more money, you know I’m here for you. As for your father, was he happy about it? I’m glad he finally came around…
I’m the same as always. They’ve offered me the same gig next summer with more perks. I guess I’ll say yes.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: RE: News
I can’t say Dad took it well exactly, but he’s accepted it. We met for lunch, just the two of us. I showed him the business plan, told him all my ideas, and I guess he realized the project actually matters to me. He spent a long time looking it over with his reading glasses—he only puts them on when it’s important. Then he put it back down on the table, took a deep breath, and asked me what I needed to start. It was nice, nothing sappy. I know it was a disappointment to him that neither of his daughters wanted to take over the company he loves so much, but I guess he’ll get used to it. He wasn’t exactly overjoyed about me spending the whole summer with you either.
So are you going to take the job?
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: Why?
What’s your dad’s issue with me? He barely even knows me; why should he care? He just met me that one time at Christmas, and we barely exchanged a word.
Yeah, I took the deal. Contract signed. I’ll stay here.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: Why?
It’s not personal, Rhys. He’s always been leery like that. I think he liked Dean because he’s known him since he was in diapers and there was no dirty laundry to air out. By the way, I didn’t tell you yet, but Stella’s pregnant. I’m going to be some kind of substitute aunt for my ex-boyfriend’s baby. It’s great. I’m actually excited for it to be born. I love how babies smell. I must be crazy, right? It’s true though. Nothing else smells like that. It just makes you want to cuddle them.
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: A little…
Yeah, you do sound a little crazy…
Honestly, I have no idea what a baby smells like. I don’t remember the last time I was even around a baby. It must be years. I think there’s a mutual repulsion there. Or else they’re just not part of my environment. I don’t know. Anyway, I’m happy for them. I guess Dean is becoming the typical goodguy from the movies, following the plan from A to B to C. I think about that sometimes. How easy it would have been to do the same.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: A little…
What are you talking about, Rhys?
Tomorrow I’ll give you an update on everything with the publishing company. I’ve barely slept all week, I’ve been working without stopping, but it’s been worth it! I’m about to go to dinner with Donna—and with my new coworker! (I love keeping you in the dark.) My sister said we had to do it up, so we’re going to Pizza Pilgrims in Kingly Court. I swear they make the best pizzas in all of London. I’ll take you if you ever come back some day. Also, Donna says hi. She just told me if I don’t shut my computer, she’s going to take it away and throw it out the window. Kisses and more kisses, Rhys. I’ll give you more details if you do the same.